Hochschild explores what happens when we buy and sell emotional labor

Harvey, by way of Gorz, argues that “The idea of a stable good life and of good living according to modest requirements is displaced by an insatiable desire for gaining more and yet more money power in order to command more and yet more consumer goods. The effect is to ‘sweep away the ancient idea of freedom and existential autonomy’ and to surrender true freedom for the limited freedoms of endless striving to participate in and beat the market” (270). Try to explain what he means here.

2. C. Wright Mills argues that the modern white collar worker does not love the work, and does not have a strong work ethic. What are the things that motivate modern white collar workers?

3. What does Mills mean by “the Big Split”.

4. Hochschild explores what happens when we buy and sell emotional labor. Define “emotional labor”.

5. What is the product that “emotional labor” produces?

6. How do employers train and control flight attendants in order to ensure that the right service is provided.

7. Do you think that buying and selling emotions has an impact on the broader society? Explain.